City fraud cases drop

More than 600 convictions for fraud were handed down in Christchurch in the last financial year, the vast majority for obtaining by deception.

Figures from Statistics New Zealand show 671 fraud convictions were handed down in the past financial year in Christchurch alone - down from 983 in the 12 months prior.

Nearly all last year's fraud convictions (528) were for obtaining by deception - "the use of deception or impersonation with the intent of dishonestly obtaining property, goods or services, or other benefit."

However, 64 convictions were handed down for deceptive business/Government practices, six for forgery and counterfeiting and 73 other fraud and deception offences.

Nationally, 13,349 convictions were recorded for fraud in the last financial year - an increase on the previous 12 months.